ISKANDAR PUTERI: The authorities have impounded more than RM24,000 worth of fish meant for Singapore market at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) here.
The Johor director of Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis), Nur Afifah A. Rahman (pic), said the agency stopped a lorry carrying fish at the KSAB export lane at around 2pm on Monday (Jan 18).
"After inspecting it, we seized 1,145kg of various fish for export overseas without any legal permits, worth RM24,265.
"The driver, aged 29, has been released after having his statement recorded," she said here on Tuesday (Jan 19).
She added that the fish that were seized were placed together with other properly documented fish in an attempt to confuse Maqis enforcement officers.
Nur Afifah said exporting any agricultural produce without legal export permits from Maqis is an offence under Section 11(2) of the Malaysia Quarantine and Inspection Services 2011 (Act 728) and liable to be sentenced under Section 11(3) of the same Act.
The offence carries a fine of up to RM100,000 or six months' jail or both upon conviction.
"Maqis is always committed to carrying out law enforcement at all the country checkpoints to make the disease control of fish, animals and plants as well as food safety guarantee are protected and comply with the conditions and rules that have been set," she said.
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